Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun and PR TIMES form business alliance to support public relations for Kumamoto companies

PR TIMES Inc. (Minato City, Tokyo; President and CEO: Takumi Yamaguchi; TSE Prime/MeS Premier: 3922), which operates the press release distribution service "PR TIMES" and other services, signed a comprehensive business alliance agreement on June 30, 2026 (Tue.) with Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Co., Ltd. (Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture; President and CEO: Shintaro Izu), a newspaper publisher in Kumamoto Prefecture.

To vitalize information dissemination from Kumamoto Prefecture, where the company is based, a program offering free use of "PR TIMES" will be provided to local companies and organizations introduced by Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun.

Furthermore, starting this autumn, Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun's news site "Kumamoto Nichinichi Denshi Ban" will become a partner media of "PR TIMES."

With the addition of Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun, the number of alliances for local information distribution has reached 110 cases (across 47 prefectures), including 43 local financial institutions (35 banks, 8 credit unions), 41 local media outlets, and 1 province, 1 metropolis, 3 prefectures, 14 cities, and 7 organizations in the government and public sector.

Similar alliances have previously been established with the following regional newspapers in the Kyushu-Okinawa region: Nishinippon Shimbun, Oita Godo Shimbun, Miyazaki Nichinichi Shimbun, Minami Nippon Shimbun, Ryukyu Shimpo, and Okinawa Times. Kumamoto City is also an alliance partner headquartered in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Support for Information Dissemination by Local Businesses and Publication of Press Releases Related to the Region

1. Provision of the "Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Program" to businesses introduced by Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun

Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun, a core media outlet in Kumamoto Prefecture with reporting bases throughout the prefecture, will leverage its network in both reporting and sales to propose information dissemination using "PR TIMES" to businesses in the prefecture. The "Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Program," which offers free use of "PR TIMES" under certain conditions (details below), will be provided to businesses introduced by the company.

Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun serves as a hub for information dissemination to individuals and corporations in Kumamoto Prefecture, having established various points of contact with local businesses, organizations, and municipalities through reporting, advertising, and other business activities. By further expanding information dissemination from businesses and other entities within the prefecture, there is significant potential to contribute to regional revitalization, such as increasing tourism, consumption, and the number of people with ties to the region. We aim to support proactive information dissemination by businesses in Kumamoto Prefecture and contribute to the revitalization of their business activities, including expanding sales channels, business opportunities, and improving name recognition.

Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun will determine the criteria and judgment for introductions, and use through agencies will not be eligible.

2. (Scheduled for this autumn and beyond) Publication of corporate content related to Kumamoto Prefecture on Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun's news site "Kumamoto Nichinichi Denshi Ban"

Through content collaboration between Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun and the press release distribution service "PR TIMES," press releases related to Kumamoto Prefecture will be published on "Kumamoto Nichinichi Denshi Ban," the news site operated by Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun.

In addition to information disseminated by businesses located in Kumamoto Prefecture, press releases from businesses and municipalities (*1) regarding campaigns, events, and other information developed within the prefecture will be published on a dedicated page of "Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Online" in their original format.

"PR TIMES" distributes a large number of press releases related to Kumamoto Prefecture daily (*2). For site users, in addition to news articles published in print and original site content, press release content announcing new developments in Kumamoto Prefecture will be available on the site. We believe this will enhance the comprehensiveness of information and the convenience of the site.

(*1) Press releases where the relevant prefecture and municipalities within the prefecture are entered in the location information category. (*2) Press releases related to Kumamoto Prefecture (https://prtimes.jp/main/html/searchcity/pref_id/43)

3. Cooperation in Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun's business and information dissemination, and consideration of new collaboration measures

PR TIMES will cooperate with Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun's new business initiatives and award programs, and jointly consider new measures to further expand the dissemination of information by businesses in Kumamoto Prefecture. In addition, PR TIMES will provide free cooperation when Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun itself utilizes "PR TIMES" to disseminate its initiatives both inside and outside its base in Kumamoto Prefecture.

We are already holding PR and public relations seminars in collaboration with Kumamoto City, which is also an alliance partner.

Furthermore, in the implementation of "Press Release Evangelist," a program certified by PR TIMES, Mr. Yoshiteru Ueda, General Manager of the Solutions Business Department at Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun, has become the second evangelist to be appointed from a regional newspaper (at the time of his appointment).

[About "PR TIMES"]

"PR TIMES" distributes press releases to media reporters and publishes them on "PR TIMES" and partner media, making them accessible and shareable by the public. The number of client companies has exceeded 124,000, with over 65% of listed companies in Japan using the service. There are over 29,000 media reporters registered as members for information gathering, with approximately 90 million monthly page views and a cumulative total of over 2 million press releases distributed. ("PR TIMES": https://prtimes.jp/)

[Company Profile of Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Co., Ltd.]

Company Name: Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Co., Ltd. Location: 1-5-1 Seyasu, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City Established: 1942 Representative: Shintaro Izu, President and CEO Network: [Head Office] Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture [Branch Offices] Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Yatsushiro [General Branches] Tamana (Nankan), Otsu, Aso, Uki (Uto), Minamata Ashikita, Hitoyoshi, Amakusa [Sub-branches] Arao, Yamaga, Kikuchi, Nankan, Kuma, Ushibuka, Kamiamakusa, Oguni, Takamori, Mifune (Yamato), Uto, Koshi URL: https://corporate.kumanichi.com/corporate/outline/

"Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Program" to provide "PR TIMES" free of charge to businesses in Kumamoto, etc.

The "Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Program" offers businesses introduced by Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun the ability to distribute press releases on "PR TIMES" free of charge for a total of 3 releases within 6 months from their desired start date.

[About the "Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Program"]

Content

Free use of the press release distribution service "PR TIMES" for 6 months from the desired start date, for a total of 3 releases. (Distribution beyond the 3rd release or after 6 months from the program start date will incur standard usage fees.)

Eligible Customers

Customers who meet all of the following conditions 1 to 3: 1 Corporations or companies/organizations with corporate status, or sole proprietors meeting our criteria. 2 No prior use of the press release distribution service "PR TIMES" in the past year. (Use through an agency is not counted as prior use.) 3 Application through Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun. * Introductions are at the discretion of Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun. * This program applies to businesses introduced who meet the above conditions, but applications and use through third parties such as agencies, rather than directly by the business, are not eligible for the program.

Start Date of Handling

June 30, 2026 (Tue.)

Application Method

Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun will provide a dedicated form to businesses.

* Applications for the program cannot be made through the regular corporate registration application form. If you apply through the regular form, the program will not apply and you will be enrolled in the standard plan, so please be sure to apply through the dedicated form.

Significance of the Comprehensive Alliance with Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun

Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun's origins trace back to the founding of a magazine and newspaper in 1882 (Meiji 15). It was established in 1942 during the war through the merger of Kyushu Nichinichi Shimbun and Kyushu Shimbun. After the war, it contributed to the community beyond reporting to the people of Kumamoto, who were in the process of recovery, by establishing art exhibitions and sports events.

While steadily marking its publication history, it has continued to report earnestly on natural disasters such as Minamata disease and the Kumamoto earthquakes, as well as regional issues. While continuing to take on challenges such as digitalization and relocation of its headquarters, it continues to fulfill its mission as an indispensable "information platform company" for Kumamoto, where news such as the TSMC expansion is increasing.

In Kumamoto Prefecture, PR TIMES has been entrusted with and distributed numerous press releases from companies and municipalities nationwide, building on its partnership with Kumamoto City. This has led to coverage and publication in many media outlets, including Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun. With this alliance, we will revitalize information distribution originating from Kumamoto, primarily online, and support the information dissemination of Kumamoto businesses through initiatives such as the "Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Program" and seminars.

These regional collaborations are expanding across 47 prefectures as follows:

Comments on the Alliance

Mr. Ikko Akaike, Director of Cross Media Department, Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Co., Ltd.

Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun has entered into a comprehensive business alliance with PR TIMES and joined as a partner media. We have always strived to create a better hometown together with the people of Kumamoto, adhering to the principles of "freedom and independence," "strict impartiality," and "non-partisanship" under our slogan "Reading Tomorrow."

We are also developing various digital services centered on "Kumamoto Nichinichi Denshi Ban." Through this alliance, press releases related to companies, organizations, and municipalities in Kumamoto Prefecture and Kyushu will be published on the electronic edition. We will contribute to the revitalization of Kumamoto's business scene and the improvement of the quality of life and culture for the people of Kumamoto.

Mr. Yuya Mori, Second Sales Department, PR TIMES Inc.

We are deeply honored to have concluded a comprehensive business alliance agreement with Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun Co., Ltd. We are greatly encouraged to be able to collaborate with Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun, which has earned the deep trust of the people of Kumamoto through its sincere engagement with regional issues through reporting. With "Kumamoto Nichinichi Denshi Ban" joining as a partner media from this autumn onwards, a new gateway will be created for announcements from Kumamoto businesses to reach the eyes of local residents.

We believe that press releases are a testament to challenges undertaken after careful consideration, deliberation, and action. We will fully support the dissemination of each challenge undertaken in Kumamoto, along with the underlying intentions, both within and outside the prefecture, through our collaboration with Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun.

Mr. Ikumasa Takada, Alliance Partner (formerly Head of Partner Business Development Office), PR TIMES Inc.

It has taken nearly four years since proposing collaboration with Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun to conclude this comprehensive business alliance. This marks the realization of alliances with three regional newspapers in the southern Kyushu region.

Kumamoto Prefecture is blessed with abundant natural and cultural assets, and its various attractions, from agriculture, forestry, and fishery products, tourism, and crafts, to the nationally recognized local character "Kumamon," draw many people to Kumamoto from outside the prefecture and abroad. Meanwhile, with recent economic developments such as the TSMC expansion, Kumamoto is increasing its presence within Kyushu, and further attractive information dissemination is expected in the future. As PR TIMES, we aim to contribute to the development of the regional economy by supporting businesses and municipalities in Kumamoto and Kyushu through information dissemination.

With this alliance, my role in new partnership development at PR TIMES comes to a close. However, PR TIMES will continue to do its utmost to support information dissemination and distribution in cooperation with regional newspapers and media outlets.

About PR TIMES Inc.

PR TIMES, with its mission "Towards an era where information from those who act moves people's hearts," strives to create a society where positive information from "actors" becomes the center of news, encouraging individuals and fostering a forward-looking attitude. We believe that press releases are the crystallization of people's actions and efforts, and we are developing our business with the aim of democratizing PR, enabling "actors" of any company size to disseminate information themselves. The number of companies using the press release distribution service "PR TIMES" exceeds 124,000, with over 65% of listed companies in Japan using the service. There are over 29,000 media reporters registered as members for information gathering, with approximately 90 million monthly page views, over 46,000 press releases distributed monthly, and a cumulative total exceeding 2 million. Content is published on over 260 partner media, including national newspaper websites (as of February 2026).

In addition, we operate "PR TIMES STORY" for storytelling, "PR TIMES TV" for video communication, a PR partner service that supports PR activities from planning to execution, the art-focused PR platform "MARPH," and the news media business including "STRAIGHT PRESS," to support information announcement and dissemination. We also operate businesses that provide comprehensive support to "actors," such as the task and project management tool "Jooto" to help advance ideas from conception to announcement, and the customer support tool "Tayori" to facilitate customer support and information organization after announcements.

Our subsidiaries include THE BRIDGE Inc., which operates the startup media "BRIDGE," Glucose Inc., which provides contract software development, and NAVICUS Inc., which supports SNS marketing.

PR TIMES Inc. Company Profile

Mission: Towards an era where information from those who act moves people's hearts Company Name: PR TIMES Inc. (TSE Prime, MeS Premier Securities Code: 3922) Location: Akasaka Intercity 8F, 1-11-44 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo Established: December 2005 Representative: Takumi Yamaguchi, President and CEO Business Activities: - Operation of press release distribution service "PR TIMES" (https://prtimes.jp/) - Operation of story distribution service "PR TIMES STORY" (https://prtimes.jp/story/) - PR and public relations support as a partner for clients and media - Operation of video PR service "PR TIMES TV" (https://prtimes.jp/tv/) - Operation of art-focused online PR platform "MARPH" (https://marph.com/) - Operation of customer support tool "Tayori" (https://tayori.com/) - Operation of task and project management tool "Jooto" (https://www.jooto.com/) - Operation of media "PR TIMES MAGAZINE" (https://prtimes.jp/magazine/) delivering PR knowledge - Operation of press release dedicated editor "PR Editor" (https://preditor.prtimes.com/) - Operation of web news media such as "STRAIGHT PRESS" (https://straightpress.jp/), etc. URL: https://prtimes.co.jp/